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Maps · head to head

MAPS.ME vs Waze

MAPS.ME logo

MAPS.ME

Maps

Free, offline maps application based on OpenStreetMap data

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Waze logo

Waze

Maps

Community-driven GPS navigation app that uses real-time traffic data from its users

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MAPS.ME mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client; Waze no offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MAPS.ME and Waze actually diverge.

Attributes where MAPS.ME and Waze differ
AttributeMAPS.MEWaze
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsiOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Web
Founded20112008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in MAPS.ME

Nothing recorded that Waze does not also cover.

Only in Waze

Nothing recorded that MAPS.ME does not also cover.

Both cover

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MAPS.ME

  • Downloading offline maps for travel without connectivitynot Waze
  • Turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without datanot Waze
  • Finding points of interest and hiking trailsnot Waze
  • Following built-in travel guidesnot Waze
  • Hotel booking via Booking.com integrationnot Waze

Waze

  • Real-time navigation and route planning with live traffic updatesnot MAPS.ME
  • Reporting hazards and roadway conditions to community driversnot MAPS.ME
  • Finding alternative routes to avoid congestion and accidentsnot MAPS.ME
  • Connecting with first responders and emergency servicesnot MAPS.ME
  • Community-driven mapping and road condition improvementsnot MAPS.ME

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MAPS.ME

  • Mobile-only - no web or desktop navigation client
  • Free tier limits offline map downloads and shows monetization prompts
  • No native Windows, macOS, or Linux app
  • Map data comes from the OpenStreetMap community rather than a commercial map provider

Waze

  • No offline maps capability, requiring constant internet connectivity
  • Routing reliability declined with reports of longer routes and restricted road directions
  • Privacy concerns with location data collection and location-based ads after Google acquisition
  • Stability issues including crashes on CarPlay and slow loading times

Pricing, plan by plan

MAPS.ME

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the MAPS.ME review.

Waze

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Waze review.

Which should you pick?

Choose MAPS.ME if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
MAPS.ME review

Choose Waze if

  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
Waze review

Questions people ask

Is MAPS.ME or Waze better?
Neither clearly leads. MAPS.ME starts at Free and Waze at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MAPS.ME or Waze?
MAPS.ME starts at Free and Waze at Free.
Does MAPS.ME or Waze run on more platforms?
MAPS.ME runs on iOS, Android. Waze runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use MAPS.ME for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is MAPS.ME best used for?
MAPS.ME is most often used for downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity, turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data, finding points of interest and hiking trails, following built-in travel guides. Of those, downloading offline maps for travel without connectivity and turn-by-turn driving, walking, and cycling navigation without data are not what Waze is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MAPS.ME: Is MAPS.ME free to download and use?

MAPS.ME is available as a free download for both iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play. No pricing information is published on the MAPS.ME website, suggesting a free service model.

Source
Waze: Does Waze work offline?

No, Waze relies on real-time data and does not support offline maps, limiting usability when without internet connectivity.

Source
MAPS.ME: What features are included in MAPS.ME?

MAPS.ME is marketed as 'not just an app but a friend in all your adventures.' Full feature details require downloading the app from App Store or Google Play. Specific limitations or premium features are not disclosed on the website.

Source
Waze: How does Waze handle my location data?

Since Google's 2013 acquisition, Waze shares location history with Google's ad network and serves location-based ads. This differs from privacy-focused alternatives like Apple Maps.

Source
MAPS.ME: How does MAPS.ME make money if the app is free?

MAPS.ME does not publish pricing or monetization details on its website. The app is available free on both iOS and Android platforms, but the business model for generating revenue is not disclosed publicly.

Source
Waze: What platforms can I use Waze on?

Waze is available on iOS and Android mobile apps, and via web through the Live Map feature accessible from any computer or tablet.

Source
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